My dear friends,

On the heels of our recent election, we are reminded again of the deep political division in our land. God says righteousness exalts a nation, and while we are encouraged by recent Supreme Court decisions, make no mistake about it: we are in a fierce battle for conservative Biblical values.
 
I just read Jonathan Cahn’s recent book, Return of the Gods, a powerful Biblical explanation of reasons why our nation is wrestling with so much turmoil…crime, drugs, lawlessness, and depravity. Cahn’s book is a well-documented historical and cultural explanation of how America has opened the door to ungodliness—and why we’re seemingly on a downward spiral.
 
The antidote is the power of the Holy Spirit, which is how this ministry was birthed many years ago.  We are committed more than ever to boldly carry the fire, without apology, teaching on the gifts of the Spirit and allowing their demonstration.  In today’s Christian culture, many “seeker-sensitive” churches have deliberately moved away from operating in the spiritual gifts for the sake of appealing to the masses. The Bible cautions us in II Tim. 3:5 about having a “form of godliness but denying its power.”
 
May we remain true to our calling, uncompromised, during these last days!

We are still basking in the afterglow of the Feast of Tabernacles celebration here last month, possibly our best ever! God moved powerfully during those 8 full days and nights, as we received prophetic words from our speakers. We felt the tangible presence of God on opening night with Paul Wilbur; time seemed to come to a standstill. It truly was a taste of heaven as God manifested His goodness and glory in our midst! I am more convinced than ever of our God-given call for such a time as this…to steward the presence of God on this campus. Moses asked God to “show me your glory,” and my heart is to do everything we can to promote His glory here at Christian Retreat — beginning with the fruit of the Spirit lettered on Glory Way Boulevard as you enter the property. The entire Feast of Tabernacles is recorded on a USB Thumb drive and available to you for a donation.

Rabbi Jonathan Cahn is returning Jan. 12, 2023, during our Homecoming Week, Jan. 11-15, when many of our longtime friends, partners, ministers, and IOM graduates make an extra effort to be here with us.  This will be the first Homecoming since the passing of our founder and my father, Dr. Gerald Derstine, who left us a great legacy and Vision for the future.  

Although we suffered minor damage, we are grateful to God for sparing us from the worst of Hurricane Ian last month. Repairs and cleanup of trees are in progress, and we are focusing on helping our neighbors to the south who were catastrophically hit by this disaster. We have leaders in southwest Florida who desperately need our assistance. To this end, we are asking for your help to build a new warehouse for Crisis Relief.  For years, we have not had adequate storage—every closet and spare room is filled. This has hampered our ability to process large quantities of food, clothing, and necessary items for crisis relief.  This new facility, located next to our maintenance garage, will be a tool for us to give aid to others in the Name of Christ.  Construction is in progress at an estimated cost of $185,000.  

There is still time to register for our upcoming 10-week Institute of Ministry class, beginning January 16, 2023.  This powerful school of the Spirit will strengthen and equip you to fulfill God’s purpose in your life…while spending the winter in sunny Florida!

As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, Jannette and I are reminded of the many blessings we enjoy. We have SO much to be thankful for, and we are truly grateful to have friends like you in our lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for walking alongside us and sharing in the Vision God has given our family.  Together, we are making a difference in peoples’ lives!  Check out our website at ChristianRetreat.org/holidays for special events and gatherings over the next few weeks.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving, and may the season be filled with the warmth of friends, family and the love of Jesus surrounding you in abundance! Please see the additional items below, review the links in this message, and send your best gift and prayer requests or praise reports. 
 
 
Gratefully,

Phil Derstine
 
P.S. Please respond to me with your prayer requests or praise reports.  And for your gift of $100 of more, request the “Everything Feast” USB thumb drive of all the teachings, worship and dancing at the 2022 Feast of Tabernacles here at Christian Retreat. You will be blessed!

Join Pastors Phil & Jannette Derstine on a 10-day Christian Retreat in the Holy Land departing on May 2, 2023. Journey to Joppa, Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth, Galilee, Golan Heights, Masada, Qumran, Jericho, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more!